Lung consolidation effect on beef × dairy calves

Lung consolidation effect on beef × dairy calves Lung consolidation at weaning has short-term effects on beef × dairy calf growth14 May 2024 14 May 2024 2 minute read 2 minute read By: By: Chris Wright North AmericaA recent study evaluated the impact of lung consolidation at weaning on average daily gain (ADG) of 145 beef × Holstein calves. Calves received a thoracic ultrasonography scan (TUS) at period 1 to assess for lung consolidation (TUS+ ≥ 1 cm in one lobe), and lung consolidation severity (LCS; none, 1 to 2 cm, or 3 cm). Calf ADG was calculated into periods: arrival weight – weaning weight /day (period 1), weaning weight – 83 day weight/day (period 2), and 83 day weight – 238 day weight /day (period 3). However, healthy calves grew 0.13 (± 0.04) kg/day more in period 2 than TUS+ calves (P <0.01). The results of the study suggest that lung consolidation at weaning has short-term effects on beef × dairy calf growth, but compensatory growth nullifies the impact within 238 days of age.